Fieldtrips

Announcing a mineral collecting trip to the St. Clair, PA Fossil Fern Bed in St. Clair, PA.   Here's a look at what has been found at this fossil fern bed:

Ferns.  What did you think was there?  These ferns are found ABUNDANTLY in slabs.  You will get more than you want.

PLUS!:  There are other sites nearby that provide a wider range of fossils, including higher quality if not quantity.  Just ask.

Here's the plan: If you have a flat head shovel, a prybar and a rock saw of some kind, you can cut slabs of fern and giant horsetail infused coal.  We are not sure if the slabs will crumble, but we don't think so.

Disclaimer: You'll need to carry any finds for about 1/2 mile to your car.  Additionally, it's a long, LONG, LONG drive to get there.  Fortunately, showing up late is not an issue.  However, you have been warned.

Directions from I-81 S North of Harrisburg, PA:

Take I-81 N toward Hazletown/Allenstown/I-78         54.0 mi
Take exit 124A to merge onto PA-61 toward St Clair    4.9 mi
Turn left at Wade Rd                                               75 ft
Continue on W Hancock St                                      0.5 mi
Continue on Burma Rd                                             2.3 mi

After travelling the 2.3 miles on Burma Road you'll need to look for a little marked shooting range on the right.  Just after that, on the right, is a pull off.  Look for other cars.

1: Steel Toed Boots - generally not fashionable, but gravity is blind to haut coture.
2: Safety Goggles - polarized lenses are a good idea and flying stone chips are not.
3: Heavy Work Gloves - Skin, compared to steel and stone, is at a decided disadvantage.
4: Safety Helmets - A MUST.  "BONK" should not be the last thing you hear.
5: Young Folks - Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.  That leaves out certain of our members - you know who you are.

NOTE:   Severe weather or other crisis out of our control (eathquakes, high unemployment, a pandemic outbreak of hang nails) may result in the canceling or rescheduling of this trip.  If there is any question, please call me to confirm the trip.

Contact Ted Carver at 703.754.2050 (h), 571.344.4959 (c) or, preferably, email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it